Governor Whitmer lowers flags to honor life of airman

Michigan Executive Office of the Governor

LANSING – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags lowered to half-staff throughout the state of Michigan on Friday, Apr. 3, to honor the service of Michigan Air National Guard Technical Sergeant Nathan William Denryter who passed away after his battle with cancer.

“Technical Sergeant Nathan Denryter exemplified the highest level of public service in everything he did throughout his life,” Whitmer said. “Our state shows its gratitude by lowering the flags to half-staff as we mourn this incredible loss. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

TSgt Nathan Denryter was born in Warren, Michigan on Sep. 22, 1980, and raised in Avoca, Michigan. After graduating from Yale High School in 1999, he attended Eastern Michigan University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Education degree in 2007.

Denryter served on the Kenockee Township Fire Department from 2001 to 2005 and the Dryden Township Fire Department from 2009 to the present. He enlisted in the Michigan Air National Guard in 2002, serving two tours of duty in Iraq and two in Afghanistan. In 2008, Nathan began teaching as an elementary art teacher at Lapeer Community Schools.

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of TSgt. Denryter by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.